The Abacos, an area of The Bahamas are completely devastated after hurricane Dorian. We were spared here in Florida but our neighbors just 66 miles to the east were not.  The islands are breathtaking, but what makes them even more special is the Bahamian people with their genuine hospitality and kindness.

Our area has jumped into gear here with donation drives as we are getting reports of the absolute destruction. Most of the places we visit :Green Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay and Marsh Harbour are literally just gone. Thankfully there has been an outpouring of support for these more popular islands. 

I am helping my friend, Gunnar Askeland get immediate help to the people of Grand Cay (Rosie’s).  It is a very small fishing island next to Walker’s Cay on the very northern part of the abacos. He travels there many times in the summer on dive trips (sometimes with my husband) and knows this island like the back of his hand. He has been in contact with the island via satellite phone and there are about 200 people there without food, water and shelter. The Red Cross and large aid groups are just not getting in fast enough to help. 

Gunnar and some of his dive friends are heading over tomorrow (Friday) by boat with essentials: tents, water and food. There will be many more trips in the future. 

I am always hesitant to donate to a go fund me site because you never really know where the money ends up. All of these funds will go directly to him for fuel and supplies for the people of Grand Cay.  (Fuel costs are about $700 roundtrip per boat.)

Gunnar, his wife Melissa and their boys are like family to Mike and me.  We all just traveled to these very islands a couple of weeks ago.

If you’d feel more comfortable sending supplies, feel free to send them to my house via amazon.  Right now they need tarps, tents and non perishable foods.

I will post updates with pictures and an amazon wish list asap.